1) India has the largest youth population in the world but many young people are more focused on trivial pursuits like social media and movies rather than innovation. 2) India relies heavily on imports of consumer goods from Western countries and China rather than developing its own manufacturing capabilities. The country lacks innovation and research and development. 3) For India to become self-reliant and develop economically, it needs to focus its youth and education system on nurturing innovation through research and developing cheaper alternatives to imported goods rather than superficial pursuits. However, current priorities do not seem aligned with this goal.

1. Where young India and its energy are going?
India is world’s largest democracy and houses highest no of young in any part of the
world. When this article will be read, million of messages, audio and video files would
have been shared through various free applications (youngsters call it apps), most
preferably WhatsApp. Perhaps most of these will be sent and received by those addict
of mobile phones who are in young age. Addict, because most of those messages
would be unnecessary, asking and sharing trivial issues. Young age means who have
open minds to learn and grasp ideas which may be converted into tangible inventions,
but sorry perhaps young India is marching somewhere else. It is marching towards
ostentatious stuff, perhaps overnight success, perhaps six-eight pack, perhaps movie
connoisseur etc.
Lately, India is passing through one of the most severe economic crisis, which
has almost paralyzed the nation. If we think for a moment and look at luxurious item in
our household, we will come to a conclusion that most of these are being sold by
companies, having their head quarters in foreign land. And other stuff fairly finds their
manufacturing bases in our neighboring country China. It is this very issue which is
being discussed here. Why we are not able to produce these articles which we have to
import from our western counterparts or neighbor? Here one more question arises do
we really need these articles or peer pressure and status symbol are goading us to
acquire these things. This syndrome of aping peers, compels one to hug these articles
despite not being in position to purchase them owing to financial constraints?
If we really need these luxurious & expensive articles (from western countries) or
economically durable goods (from dragon nation China) then is importing the goods
only option? If yes, then how long will we rely on import? Why we are not able to device
economically approachable goods. Why we are not nurturing and developing brain
[which can produce newer and cheaper articles and options] in our schools, colleges,
universities and premier institutes?
Because since time immemorial this is the research and development (R and D)
efforts of a country which gets it the titles like developed country, most advanced
country or innovative country etc or the country having highest no. of patents. India’s
rating is very poor when it comes to innovation, patents, universities ranks,
breakthrough research etc. It is high time for government and policymakers to
brainstorm and jot down the point where we are lacking. We are spending 200 crores on
watching movies, crores in purchasing smart phones (rather they are befooling us; even
for easy math sum we look for our smart gazettes to find the result). Are these signs
and indications of a economically powerful and sound, self dependent nation or sheer
aping of developed nations? Students, young employees are running after smart
phones like anything and like never before in India. Companies are launching phones
almost on daily basis. And this is funny to know that new model is different from
preceding model in some so called crucial features like screen size, camera pixels,
sensors (if we blow, the device will be locked, if we yell at device it will unlock etc ),
memory etc. Is this the way nation should use its hard-earned money, time, energy and
brain? One more example can be quoted here a famous multinational company has
been selling acidity treating powder in single flavour. Before few years it launched the

2. product in various flavors. I am a simple man who does not know why to sell in various
flavors. Is it just a way to expand brand range or there was consumers’ pressure to
come up with various variants of existing product. Young India; its time to ponder.
Until Indian students, graduates take interest in developing Bharat and
government does not look in this serious issue in a strict manner then it is unlikely that
situation will change sooner or later in a drastic way. In a very simple way we can
summarize. If we are got success in producing cheaper alternate for petrol (or vehicle
not requiring petrol) then we are bound to give tough task to countries rich in petrol. But
this R&D is fruitful & lucrative only when we develop R&D product on faster, cheaper &
regular basis. How many students are directed in such school of thought. Glamour,
overnight success (name, fame & money), running away from hard work are taking a toll
on young ones. How many reality shows are nurturing & rewarding participants for
devising some new process or product to address national issues. Be ready to waste
time as various shows are ready with new season on television.
Dr. Amit Ratn Gangwal